What family includes seahorses, pipefishes, and seadragons?

The family that includes seahorses, pipefishes, and seadragons is Syngnathidae.

Syngnathids are marine fishes recognized by elongated snouts, fused jaws, bony body plates, and the absence of pelvic fins. Most live in shallow tropical or temperate coastal habitats such as seagrass beds, reefs, and mangroves, although some pipefishes occupy open water or freshwater environments.

Their most famous biological feature is male parental care. Female seahorses transfer eggs to a male’s brood pouch, while male seadragons carry eggs attached beneath their tails. Pipefish species use several different brooding arrangements. This is why “male pregnancy” is often associated with the entire family, even though the details vary.

The name Syngnathidae comes from Greek words meaning “together” and “jaw,” referring to the family’s fused jaws. A common mix-up is Syngnathiformes: that is a broader order containing Syngnathidae and several other fish families.